Guest Article by Valarie LaBore
Editor's Note: When I first came to know Val she was all into Steampunk. Being hesitant but intrigued with this up-and-coming genre I found myself attending her class on the subject a few years ago at Costume College. This article is her condensed version of that class.
First off, don’t let the word ... [ Read More ]

You keep coming back to it. Over and over. It draws you in with its delicious appearance as a moth to a gaslight flame at a Victorian ball.
It calls to you; speaks your name. Torments your dreams….
Ruthless in its pursuit of your desire to make it come to life. That long ago fashion that you can't quite push out of your mind. You HAVE to ... [ Read More ]

I get asked quite often: "How in the world does one sit in a dress like that?!" No, really. How DO you sit down?
To help you all out with that burning question... here's a video tutorial with tips for how to sit down when wearing a bustle dress from the 1870s or 1880s.
... [ Read More ]

"If you sew for fun, don't feel like you're falling behind if you see others talking about their sewing progress. Stick to what works for you - time & budget. It's not a race. Enjoy the ride accomplishing new designs & techniques." ~Jennifer Rosbrugh
The response I got from posting the above status on the Historical Sewing ... [ Read More ]

The event was lovely. Everyone was perfectly attired in their best bustle wear. Laughter resounded throughout the night, goodies were consumed with delight and smiles were shared for hours.
Then you get home and upload the pictures to your laptop…. Oi!
"Why didn't anyone tell me my bustle was protruding from my left hip?! I look ridiculous and ... [ Read More ]

If you've never made a bustle dress they can look quite intimidating. The complicated fabrics swirling every which direction; the tightly-fitted bodice with a tail that floats on the skirt; the trimming that knocks you sideways with its complexity.
But under it all are actually some basic shapes. Drill down and that skirt is just 5 gored ... [ Read More ]

Joyful Mentions

"Because of you and your blog I now have the confidence to sew historical articles. Thanks for sharing and teaching your skills." ~Tricia B.

"I absolutely love your video on how to bustle a skirt... it explains it beautifully." ~Maryruth Monahan

"That is excellent advice about wearing a corset! It’s what I have been advising to fellow costumers and people I teach to make costumes, but it is very well written.... Congratulations on an excellent website, and information, for costumers." ~Lynne Cook

"Thank you for all the panels you were on and for sharing your wonderful talent." ~Cindy Piselli

"Thank you for posting the bustling tutorial. That's always been a handful for me. You make it look so easy." ~Val LaBore

"[The Regency class] was great fun! But more than that, it was informative beyond my expections. Jennifer brought clothing she has sewn for a real 'hands on' learning experience. She gave us good info on proper & period correct fabric choices & sewing techniques. Thank you Jennifer." ~Candy Murrietta

"thanks for the great into on 1860 dresses....very informative.." ~Fran Wilcox